A cycling getaway provides an ideal way to see more of the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid rider or prefer a leisurely outing on a weekend, there is something for everyone when deciding to enjoy a biking adventure. These trips provide an ideal way to see more of the world, all whilst keeping fit and making memories.
From mighty peaks to deep valleys, there are cycling routes throughout Europe for a range of holiday itineraries. Along your journey meet new people, enjoy fantastic food and soak up the stunning surroundings. There is something to learn at every twist and turn when choosing to cycle in Europe.
Whether you’re seeking a solo trip or a family adventure, we have put together a range of destinations below. Find out more about the best cycling routes in Europe, alongside other top attractions to visit along the way.
France is a beautiful country in western Europe and is a popular holiday destination for many. Here you will find beautiful scenery comprising flowing rivers, mighty mountains, pretty lavender fields, lush greenery and much more.
With so many varying landscapes to see, a cycling trip to France is a must. Below are our top recommendations throughout the country, this way you can choose the best place for you.
Situated in the southeast of France is the stunning region of Provence, one of the best places to make the most of a cycling trip in Europe. A holiday here provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to soak up historical ruins, lovely vineyards and neverending natural beauty.
There are plenty of cycle routes around Provence, many of which comprise easy roads that wind through the countryside. We also recommend visiting here during the summer, as this is when the lavender fields bloom throughout the region, creating a picturesque setting for all.
Be sure to stop off along the way to make the most of French cuisine and wine in Provence, the perfect way to relax after a day of cycling. There are several excellent cafes and restaurants scattered along the cycle routes, so you will have plenty to choose from when visiting here.
Due to its rugged nature and breathtaking scenery, the French Alps is often a favoured choice for a cycling holiday. Here you will find some of the most thrilling routes in Europe, with plenty to see and do along the way.
There are many other excellent activities around the French Alps, with skiing being a popular sport in winter. Come summer many cyclists head to the Alps to make the most of the impressive climbs and the challenging paths. These routes aren’t for the faint of heart, but you will find yourself rewarded with exceptional vistas comprising raw beauty and outstanding landscapes along the way.
The French Alps are ideal for anyone seeking some of the tougher cycling routes in Europe, alongside a trip brimming with adventure and exploration at every twist and turn.
With varying terrains, endless natural beauty and some great stop-offs along the way, Loire is another popular place in France for a cycling holiday. Here you will find some excellent historical attractions, alongside lush greenery and pretty villages to explore.
Much like the rest of the country, the Loire region also offers a great opportunity to indulge in fine wine and excellent cuisine. This provides the perfect place to soak up all that France has to offer whilst riding through the pretty countryside.
For those seeking the best family cycling holidays in Europe, the Loire Valley is perfect. Here you will find plenty of places to stop off and enjoy other outdoor activities. With lavish estates and picturesque castles to explore, there is something for everyone in the Loire region of France.
If you’re desiring an easy cycling holiday in Europe, the laid-back region of Bordeaux is the place for you. With pretty vineyards, quaint villages and varying cycle routes, there is something for everyone here.
As you make your way through Bordeaux, be sure to check out the exceptional architecture scattered throughout the landscapes. Palais Rohan, La Meca, Grand Theatre and more, are just some of the highlights.
Bordeaux is renowned for its excellent wine offering, meaning you can explore the region by bike during the day, and indulge in some fine wines come evening. Pair these grapes with some traditional French cuisine and there’s no better place to relax and unwind than Bordeaux.
If you’re looking for somewhere with fascinating history, gentle cycling routes and excellent food and drink, Normandy is worth checking out. Alongside its exceptional tourist attractions, the region is also cooler than the South of France, creating a pleasant climate to get out and explore by bike.
There is also a beautiful stretch of coastline in Normandy, providing cyclists with excellent seaside vistas along their journey. Stop off and enjoy some time by the coast, or soak up the stunning scenery as you make your way through the region. One of the best things about cycling here is that you can enjoy the route at your own pace, creating an ideal place for a range of holiday itineraries.
Be sure to check out the fascinating architecture at the Bayeux and the port of Honfleur, all whilst making the most of the exceptional scenery and beautiful landscapes along the way.
It comes as no surprise that Italy is on the list of the best cycling destinations in Europe. The country is renowned for its exceptional scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, fascinating history and much more. With this in mind, a trip along the many cycle routes here provides the ideal place to get out and active whilst exploring the country.
Below are a few of the best places to enjoy a cycling trip in Italy, alongside more tips for what to see and do whilst visiting!
Beautiful Tuscany offers visitors some of the best cycling spots in the country. Not only are the routes here fantastic, but the lovely scenery and breathtaking landscapes provide an ideal place to truly disconnect and unwind whilst visiting.
This is also a great place to enjoy some of the best road cycling routes in Europe, as the white roads allow for an exceptional ride. With a great climate, mouthwatering cuisine, fine wines and more, it comes as no surprise that so many cyclists choose Tuscany when seeking somewhere to get out on their bikes.
Spend some time wandering through pretty towns, or go in pursuit of the fascinating history throughout the region. However you choose to spend your time in Tuscany, you’re sure to be impressed by all that it has to offer.
If you’re seeking more of the challenging cycle routes in Europe, The Dolomites will certainly do the trick! This beautiful mountainous region is made up of fantastic scenery and breathtaking peaks at every twist and turn. There are also some excellent attractions throughout the Dolomites, alongside the opportunity to visit one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
With so many paths to choose from, cyclists will find themselves spoilt for choice when riding through The Dolomites. You can also make the most of watching some great bike racing here, with events held throughout the year.
The Dolomites attract cycling enthusiasts from all over the world, making it the ideal place to interact and meet other like-minded cyclists. For adventure, exploration and some of the most beautiful terrains in Italy, a bike ride through this region is one not to miss.
Situated along the west coast of mainland Italy is the beautiful region of Sardinia. Here you will find pristine sandy shores, breathtaking coastal vistas and cycle routes in abundance. There are also plenty of historical sites worth visiting throughout Sardinia, making it both an interesting and beautiful place to see.
Be sure to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Naraxi di Barumini when exploring Sardinia by bike. This provides the perfect opportunity to uncover an ancient village, known to be around 3,000 years old.
For those looking for the perfect mix of cycling adventures and relaxation, a wine-tasting excursion is a perfect way to unwind after riding through Sardinia. With plenty of excellent restaurants scattered throughout the region, tourists can also immerse themselves in some mouthwatering Italian cuisine whilst visiting here.
For sun, sea, sand and scenery, Spain is the ideal place for those pursuing a cycling holiday in Europe. Not only does the country present some of the best routes in the world, but the landscapes along the way are also sure to impress.
With so many places to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming when deciding on where to cycle in Spain. To help get you started, we have included some of the most popular spots in the country so that you can visit here with all this information in mind.
A cycling trip in Europe wouldn’t be complete without visiting the magnificent island of Mallorca. The lovely sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lush greenery allow for a paradisiacal setting for those looking to cycle here.
Not only do cyclists find neverending natural beauty in Mallorca, but the routes are also worth checking out. With so many to choose from, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience them all.
Mallorca also presents a pleasant climate with around 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. This provides excellent weather for cyclists no matter when you choose to visit. Being the biggest of the Balearic Islands also means that Mallorca has a great selection of terrains, perfect for varying cycling abilities.
Whether you’re seeking a solo cycling adventure or would prefer to explore Mallorca with the whole family, there are cycle routes to suit all when visiting here.
The lovely city of Girona is located in the Catalonia region of Spain. The area attracts all sorts of cyclists throughout the year, creating a great atmosphere for lovers of the sport. The metropolis boasts a great selection of cycle routes throughout, all of which vary in difficulty. So, whether you’re a professional or a beginner, there is something for all.
The great mix of terrains provides visitors with plenty of places to explore when cycling in Girona. From the bustling city to utter serenity in the hills, you can spend your days adventuring here with lots to see and do.
After you have made the most of the cycle routes in Girona, the city itself is also worth checking out. Here you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat, alongside gorgeous architecture and an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
The beautiful island of Tenerife provides another excellent spot in Spain to enjoy a cycling adventure. This is the biggest of the Canary Islands, meaning there is more than enough space for cyclists to enjoy. With plenty of sunshine and a warm climate, Tenerife is an excellent choice for those pursuing pleasant temperatures when out cycling.
Tenerife also offers a great selection of routes for cyclists. Whether you’re hoping to challenge yourself with hilly climbs, or would prefer to glide along smooth roads, there is something for a range of cycling abilities here.
We hope that after reading this article, you can now plan your next cycling holiday with all of these places in mind. With so many to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming to select the right place for you.
There are also plenty of other excellent cycling destinations in Europe. Places like the Algarve and Azores in Portugal, Scotland and the Lake District in the United Kingdom, plus many more are all worth exploring. No matter where you choose to visit, a trip outdoors with fresh air, magnificent landscapes and fascinating attractions is always a good way to spend your holiday.
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